Prevalence of amphiostomosis in ruminants in national capital region, Delhi

Seasonal prevalence of amphistomosis in ruminants viz., cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats were carried out in National Capital Region, Delhi during December 2001 to November 2008. Coprological examination of 5,432 cattle, 2,538 buffaloes, 3,028 sheep and 2,979 goats revealed an overall prevalence of 13.03%, 17.06%, 6.86% and 3.69% infection, respectively. Overall seasonal prevalence revealed that the animals were most affected during summer (12.65%) and rains (12.35%) and the least during winter (6.46%). Monthly prevalence of amphistomosis indicated peak prevalence in cattle (34.00%) and sheep (29.00%) in the month of May, buffaloes (37.26%) in July and goats (8.24%) in February. Based on the findings it is suggested that animals should not be allowed to graze near water bodies during late summer and also in rainy and post rainy seasons and be dewormed with an effective flukicide at least once during April/May and again during August/September.